Purpose: To understand the general principles of microbial metabolism; to obtain an overview of the principles governing energy generation during cellular metabolism and the integration and control of metabolic processes; the metabolic pathways involved in the assimilation (anabolism) and dissimilation (catabolism) of organic carbon-based compounds by microbial enzymes.

Purpose: To understand the concepts and events related to natural and artificial recombination processes, microbial genome analysis, characteristics and applications of extra-chromosomal genetic elements, transposons and phages in microbial recombinant DNA technology as well as the ethics thereof; the use of different microbial groups in industrial processes for the production of different fermented and metabolic products, in the treatment of hazardous waste, bioremediation of polluted environments, in biological control of pests and their role in the spoilage and preservation of food.

Microbial Diversity - MIB3703

Under Graduate Degree

Semester module

NQF level: 7

Credits: 12

Module presented in English

Purpose: To gain insight into the underlying principles of microbial diversity; to gain an overview of the unique diversity of the most important prokaryotic groups and fungi; and to gain insight into the general characteristics, chemical composition, structure and replication of bacterial, animal and plant viruses.

Microbiology III (Practical) - MIB3704

Under Graduate Degree

Year module

NQF level: 7

Credits: 12

Module presented in English

Pre-requisite: MIB2604

Co-requisite: Any two of the following: MIB3701, MIB3702, MIB3703

Purpose: To gain insight into the metabolism of substrates microorganisms; metabolic activity associated with substrates and the production of microbic enzymes; growth of microorganisms and activity of enzymes; industrial applications of microorganisms; biological treatment of waste and xenobiotic compounds; characterising of bacterial DNA and proteins; recombinant DNA technology; bacterial conjugation and recombination; isolation and identification of bacteria and fungi with the aid of conventional and commercial identification systems.

Advanced Medical Microbiology - LSH4801

Honours

Year module

NQF level: 8

Credits: 24

Module presented in English

Module presented online

Purpose: This module forms part of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Life Sciences and studies pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, prions and fungi from the viewpoint of zoonotic transfer, development of antibiotic resistance, development of vaccines and novels treatment strategies, aspects of epidemiology and laboratory methods used to diagnose and analyse pathogens.

Advanced Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology - LSH4802

Honours

Year module

NQF level: 8

Credits: 24

Module presented in English

Module presented online

Purpose: This module forms part of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Life Sciences and studies many of the beneficial uses of microbes including their production of enzymes, upcycling of waste material, development of genetically modified organisms.

Introductory Microbiology - MIB2601

Under Graduate Degree

Semester module

NQF level: 6

Credits: 12

Module presented in English

Purpose: To gain insight into and understanding microbiology as a scientific discipline: to critically evaluate and understand the methodologies used by microbiologists to explain the organisation and structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; to understand the fundamental principles and consequences of bacterial growth and reproduction, and to gain insight into the control of microorganisms by means of physical methods and chemicals.

Microbial Ecology - MIB2602

Under Graduate Degree

Semester module

NQF level: 6

Credits: 12

Module presented in English

Purpose: To understand basic concepts relevant to microbial ecology such as; the extent of microbial diversity, the interactions of microbial communities in various ecosystems and the role thereof in the biogeochemical circulation of nutrients and disease transmission as well as the application of microbial metabolism in biological wastewater treatment.

Purpose: To understand concepts and events related to the genetic code, structure, organisation and regulation of nucleic acid replication and gene expression; recombination and transfer of genetic material by means of conjugation, transformation, and transduction; the functioning of the human immune system and the role of immunisation and other precautionary measures that are required to control infectious diseases and limit epidemiological outbreaks.

Microbiology II (Practical) - MIB2604

Under Graduate Degree

Year module

NQF level: 6

Credits: 12

Module presented in English

Pre-requisite: CHE1501 (or XHE1501) or CHE1502 (or XHE1502)

Co-requisite: Any 2 of MIB2601, MIB2602, MIB2603

Purpose: This module describes technical skills needed to perform experiments related to microbiology and immunology; to make observations and draw conclusions based on the results obtained during experimental work; and to write a relevant report on the experiments performed.